Window on the Brain

17 August 2006

Dr Kristen Pammer

There are more nerve cells in the human brain than there are stars in the Milky Way. The brain is probably the most complex thing on earth, and yet we know very little about how it works. New brain imaging technology called MEG allows us to see when and where different parts of the brain become active in response to thoughts or actions. 

Dr Kristen Pammer from the School of Psychology in the ANU Faculty of Science outlines what we can expect to learn with this technology about conditions like synaesthesia, which is where some people experience strange sensory combinations like seeing sounds or tasting colours.

"Fundamentally I am interested in how the brain works – Why do we cry? How do we see colour? Why do we get tired? How many parents have been embarrassed when their child runs up to a strange man and calls them daddy? How many people have walked into a room and forgotten why they are there? Did you know that if you turned a face upside down it takes you much longer to recognise it – but this is not the case for any other object?" Dr Kristen Pammer

This lecture was sponsored by the ANU College of Science as part of National Science Week 2006.

Broad Topics: Medicine and Life Science

Sub-topics: Behavioural & Cognitive Sciences, Medical & Health Science

Areas: ANU College of Science

Dr Kristen Pammer, School of Psychology, ANU College of Science